Western Virginia M. E. Conference
--Action on the Slavery Question.--The Western Virginia M. E. Conference, at its annual session at Wheeling, which was brought to a close on Tuesday, adopted the following preamble and resolutions:‘ Whereas, The General Conference at its late session at Buffalo has inserted a new chapter in our Book of Discipline on the subject of slavery; and whereas, there exists some difference of opinion as to its meaning: and whereas, uniformity in administration and harmony among ourselves are very desirable: Therefore,
- 1.Resolved, That we deeply regret the action of the General Conference changing the chapter on slavery, we regarding such action as unnecessary.
- 2.Resolved, That in our judgment, as a Conference, the new chapter is not to be regarded as law; that no administrative or judicial action can be had under it against any member or minister; and that we are left under it to be governed by the Scriptures, amenable as individuals for our administration only to God and our Annual Conference.
- 3.Resolved, That we utterly condemn any attempt, in any way whatever, to interfere with the legal relations of master and servant, and that we will seek to promote, as did our fathers, their best interests by preaching to them the unsearchable riches of Christ, and by teaching them their reciprocal duties as taught in the Holy Scriptures.
